Freshwater Lifeboat Independent Lifeboat on the Isle of Wight

history - 2000

The Cabin was then repainted in traditional Lifeboat colours, and the boat was officially launched in 2000. Again the boathouse was extended - this time upwards - to gain the clearance required through the door.

After the first 3 years of service, and with increasing fuel costs, it was decided to re-engine, replacing the twin 225hp Mercury 2-strokes with twin 225hp Yamaha 4-strokes.

This decision has increased the range of Freshwater Lifeboat, and now means we are often responding to incidents over 30 miles out to sea.

2005 saw the replacement of the 17 year old 'D' Class Freshwater ILB with a brand new 'D' Class again supplied by the RNLI via their Inshore Lifeboat Centre at East Cowes, Isle of Wight.

The Boat was launched in May of 2005 with a dedication service, when it was officially named the Berry B, after a substantial bequest from a Mr Baldwin made the replacement possible.